The panelists were Marwa Khan, Saleem Raza, Ehtesham Rabbani, Liqat Javeed, Dr. Mubashar Munwar Khan while moderated by Sikindar Lodhi. Marwa Khan said, “99 percent of our issue is distrust. Unfortunately, foreigners are unwilling to give aid to the government and want to distribute through NGOs. There is a need to ensure that the aid should reach the affected people.” Saleem Raza said that before 65 war American investments in Pakistan’s agriculture, education and other sectors was huge.

Money has now become base of the politics in Pakistan. In the past many politicians were not allowed to complete their elected term, so we should work on long-term policies. Agriculture sector can play an important role in improving the country’s economy and can also reduce the current food security challenge, he said. Removing the label of corruption from Pakistan both locally and globally is important, alongside the state has to restore its trust in which all state institutions falls.

Liqat Javeed said gap created between government and people and public is suffering from depression. Public deprivations are increasing. The government should give trust to the farmers that the government is with them; attention should be given to the agricultural sector. Dr. Mubashar Munwar Khan said that developed countries were responsible for climate change affects but it was not necessary for Pakistan to live on foreign aid.

Many countries witnessed the calamities from which Pakistan passing through but they never depend on foreign aid. Politicians’ disagreements put national interests at stake. The default statements created problems with global implications while foreign aid pledges will reduce default pressure. However, Charter of Economy, along with long-term policies is the solution of the political and economic instability.

Foreign aid cannot solve our domestic problems, so foreign investment is necessary, he said.

Original Link: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1029664-moot-stresses-need-to-fix-economy